Yamba (NSW)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Yamba reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Yamba (NSW) statistical area (Lv2) is around 7,163. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census total of 6,405 people, marking a rise of 758 individuals or approximately 11.8%. The population estimate was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population count of 6,740 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 570 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio for Yamba (NSW) (SA2) is 424 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. The area's population growth of 11.8% since the 2021 census surpassed both the non-metro area's growth rate of 5.7% and the SA4 region's rate. Interstate migration was the primary driver of population growth in Yamba, contributing approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is employing ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Looking ahead, population projections indicate that Yamba (NSW) (SA2) is expected to increase by 864 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects an anticipated total gain of approximately 5.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Yamba among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Yamba shows approximately 92 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 462 homes were approved, with an additional 104 approved so far in FY-26. This translates to an average of 0.9 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years.

The new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $513,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, $3.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Recent construction comprises 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Yamba's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 41 people per dwelling approval, Yamba exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Yamba is projected to gain 365 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Yamba has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Yamba Heights Residential Subdivision, West Yamba Shopping Centre, Yamba Quays Canal Estate Development, and Yamba Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Yamba exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Yamba has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.7% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of that date, 2,419 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Yamba lagged significantly at 41.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries among Yamba residents include accommodation & food, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

The area has a particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 2.7% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.0%, while the labour force increased by 3.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows that NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Yamba. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Yamba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Yamba is $41,409 and average income is $53,581. This is lower than Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. By September 2025, adjusting for an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes in Yamba would be approximately $45,078 (median) and $58,328 (average). The 2021 Census indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Yamba are between the 7th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 29.5% of individuals earn between $800 - $1,499, compared to broader area patterns where those earning $1,500 - $2,999 dominate at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Yamba, with only 83.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

Yamba is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with strong rates of outright home ownership

Yamba's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 75.5% houses and 24.5% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership in Yamba stood at 53.3%, with 18.4% of dwellings mortgaged and 28.3% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1630, while the median weekly rent was $400. Nationally, Yamba's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1863, whereas rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Yamba features high concentrations of lone person households, with a median household size of 2.1 people

Family households constitute 65.4% of all households, including 16.6% couples with children, 38.7% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.6%, with lone person households at 31.5% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people.

Educational attainment in Yamba aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 19.8%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (28.2%). A total of 21.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 8.7% in primary, 5.5% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

A substantial 21.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 5.5% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows 43 active stops operating in Yamba, consisting of a mix of ferry and bus services. These stops are serviced by 29 individual routes, collectively providing 348 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 258 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 49 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Yamba is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health challenges are prominent in Yamba, affecting various age groups. Approximately 48% (~3,451 individuals) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (14.1%) and mental health issues (7.8%), while 57.6% report no medical ailments, contrasting with 0% in Rest of NSW. The area has 37.7% residents aged 65 and over (2,700 individuals). Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but exceed general population metrics.

Yamba is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Yamba's population showed low cultural diversity, with 86.8% born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the primary religion, at 54.4%, compared to 0% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.7%), Australian (29.1%), and Irish (10.2%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.8%, Welsh at 0.7%, and Australian Aboriginal at 3.4%.

Yamba ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Yamba is 56 years, notably higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group represents 18.8% of the population in Yamba, compared to Rest of NSW's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.6%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the Census conducted on 28 August 2021, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 7.4% to 8.5%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 9.3% to 10.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 14.9% to 13.1% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 9.8% to 8.7%. Looking ahead to the year 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Yamba's age structure. The population aged 85 years and above is projected to show the strongest growth at 61%, adding 210 residents to reach a total of 554. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age cohorts.